Steve Jones

A five-person crew aboard The Dominator caught and landed two Atlantic bluefin tuna weighing more than 300kg each off Whitby, marking the first such landings on the Yorkshire coast in about 60 years. The fish were sold to Hook to Plate for restaurants, sushi markets and consumers. Researchers from the University of Exeter say bluefin tuna have returned to British waters following improved fisheries management and healthier marine ecosystems, although the origin and population relationship of the large Whitby fish remain uncertain. Their tagging research will track the tuna to determine where they came from and how they move.

A five-person fishing crew landed two Atlantic bluefin tuna weighing more than 300kg each near Whitby, marking the first estimated landings on the Yorkshire coast since the 1960s. The fish, caught aboard The Dominator, were sold to Hook to Plate for distribution to restaurants, sushi markets and private customers. Researchers from the University of Exeter said the tuna found off Whitby may be larger and genetically distinct from previously tagged fish. They attributed the species’ return to improved fisheries management and healthier marine ecosystems, while continuing to tag and track the fish to determine their origins and movements.

Castleford residents say the town centre is run down, with many vacant shops, limited retail choice and concerns about antisocial behaviour. Almost £45m in government funding is supporting a Wakefield Council-led regeneration plan designed to attract investment, improve the high street and create a more vibrant riverside destination. Business representatives argue that independent retailers, cultural uses and Castleford's proximity to Leeds, Wakefield and Bradford could help revive the town, while the council and regeneration partner Muse will seek ideas from residents and businesses.

West Yorkshire Police are conducting a speculative search at a site in Fulneck, Pudsey, following new information about the 1992 disappearance of Patricia Hall. Hall, who was 39 and from Pudsey, has never been found, and police say her family has been informed while investigators remain open-minded. A previous cold-case review produced no new leads, while an inquest into her presumed death was opened in April and later adjourned. Hall's husband, Keith Hall, was tried for her murder in 1994 but found not guilty.

A deliberately started field fire on Harthill Road in Woodthorpe, Sheffield, spread to nearby gardens and damaged two houses, one severely. Six fire crews attended, and no injuries were reported. Firefighters also responded to another suspected deliberate fire near the former Sheffield Ski Village, while recent hot, dry weather and a series of suspected arson incidents have placed South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service under exceptional pressure. Other recent fires affected nature reserves, a cornfield near Rawmarsh and homes in Grenoside.

Former West Yorkshire Police sergeant Edward Howard resigned after pleading guilty to intentionally strangling and assaulting a taxi driver during an unprovoked attack. A misconduct hearing concluded that the conduct was serious enough to justify dismissal and that Howard would have been sacked had he remained employed. He received a 12-month community order, 200 hours of unpaid work and £400 compensation, and will be placed on the College of Policing’s Barred List. The hearing acknowledged his remorse and previously strong record, but emphasized the impact on the victim and the need to maintain public confidence in policing.

A murder investigation has begun after 28‑year‑old Mohammed Hasan died 11 days after being shot in the head in Bradford. Police are seeking 24‑year‑old Luqman Khan, believed to be in Suffolk, while nine others have been arrested in connection with the case. One suspect, Hasnain Akhter, has been charged with attempted murder. Hasan’s family paid tribute to him and urged anyone with information to contact police, as investigators described the attack as a horrific act of violence.

New tenants Jenny Bryant and Chris Foster have taken a 10‑year lease on Thwaite Mill in Leeds, planning to introduce ghost‑hunting events and reopen the historic site as a museum, wedding venue and community space. The property, recently acquired by Odsal Properties, was withdrawn from auction after the lease agreement. Bryant, who operates ghost tours nationwide, reports unexplained occurrences at the site and aims to secure funding and grants to support restoration and future activities. The mill complex, which includes six Grade II‑listed buildings, has a long industrial history and was previously run as a museum by Leeds City Council.

South Yorkshire Police charged 53-year-old Peter Norburn with the murder of a 32-year-old man who died in hospital after being stabbed in Balby, Doncaster. Norburn, who has no fixed address, has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Doncaster Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Police are searching for Luqman Khan after a man was shot in the head in West Bowling, Bradford. The 28-year-old victim remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries. Khan is believed to have travelled to the Suffolk area. Two men in their 20s were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Detectives appealed for information on Khan’s whereabouts as the investigation continues.

Sheffield Moor Market will reopen after a two‑week closure caused by a cockroach infestation following extensive treatment, cleaning and monitoring that confirmed no recent pest activity. Sheffield City Council said enhanced prevention measures will continue, while committee chair Mark Rusling emphasised supporting traders affected by lost business and uncertainty. Traders have prepared their units for reopening, and the market, home to more than 90 independent businesses, is set to welcome customers back.

A fire at Malton and Norton District Hospital destroyed the Springwood mental health unit, prompting the evacuation of all 15 patients without injuries. Community members, hospital staff and local businesses provided rapid support, including establishing a temporary ward at Malton School. Local officials and health leaders praised the coordinated response while investigations into the fire’s cause continue.

Family members paid tribute to 18-year-old Joshua McBride, who died in hospital following a solo motorbike crash on Burnley Road in Halifax. Police said no other vehicles were involved and appealed for witnesses. His family described him as kind and caring and expressed their grief at his loss.

Leeds City Council is gathering items from residents for an exhibition marking 400 years since Leeds received its first City Charter. Opening in September, Leeds 400 will feature personal memorabilia, heritage materials from the library’s special collections, early historical texts, and items celebrating modern cultural life. Council representatives and library staff emphasize community involvement and the city’s diverse history.

A woman driving a southbound Skoda Fabia died at the scene of a collision with a northbound BMW on the A19 near Great Thirkleby. The BMW driver was taken to hospital, and North Yorkshire Police are seeking witnesses and dashcam footage.

A Nursing and Midwifery Council hearing is examining the conduct of two midwives involved in the 2020 death of newborn Aliona at Leeds General Infirmary. Her mother, Fiona Winser‑Ramm, described serious failures, including alleged false records and inadequate communication about abnormal heart‑rate readings. Midwife Yasmin Karolia has admitted some documentation errors, while disputing intentional wrongdoing; Ruksana Bibi is yet to give evidence but has acknowledged parts of the allegations against her. The family, who campaigned for an independent inquiry into maternity services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, argue that timely action could have saved their daughter’s life.

Former professional footballer Adebayo Akinfenwa has become a shareholder in phoenix club FC Farsley, joining former teammate and current owner David Stockdale in efforts to rebuild the Leeds-based side. Stockdale, who took over the club in December, describes the move as a sign of confidence in the club’s community-focused project. The reformed FC Farsley will compete in the 12th tier of English football after Farsley Celtic ceased competitive play following the 2024–25 season.

Yorkshire parents and school leaders express strong support for England’s new legal requirement to keep schools phone-free, citing fewer distractions, improved concentration and more sociable behaviour among pupils. Appleton Academy reports significant benefits from its earlier adoption of phone pouches, while ongoing research notes limited scientific evidence linking social media to adolescent mental health despite observed associations. The policy comes alongside broader government plans to restrict social media access for under‑16s by 2027.

England supporters at the World Cup in the United States describe a festive atmosphere, friendly interactions with international fans and memorable travel experiences despite high costs for tickets, travel and food. Fans across Yorkshire share optimism about England’s prospects under Thomas Tuchel, with some committing to attend knockout-stage matches. High expenses are acknowledged but seen as worthwhile for what many call a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

England supporters travelling across the United States describe their World Cup trip as a joyful and worthwhile experience despite high costs for tickets, travel and food. Fans from Yorkshire praise the tournament’s atmosphere, hospitality and shared camaraderie, expressing strong optimism about England’s chances under Thomas Tuchel. Many note significant expenses but say the once‑in‑a‑lifetime excitement outweighs the financial strain, with some even booking tickets through the final in anticipation of a deep tournament run.